Why did a majority of Americans support calley after the my lai massacre?

Many Americans supported Lieutenant William Calley after the My Lai Massacre due to a combination of factors, including a belief in the pressures and horrors of war that soldiers faced in Vietnam. Some viewed Calley as a scapegoat for a broader military failure, arguing that he was following orders in a chaotic environment. Additionally, there was a strong sentiment among segments of the public that sympathized with the difficulties of combat and felt that individual soldiers should not bear the full burden of accountability for their actions during wartime. This complex mix of empathy, nationalism, and a desire to protect military personnel contributed to the support for Calley.